One of Japan’s biggest cities will officially recognize same-sex couples

Fukuoka is set to become the latest prefecture in Japan to recognize same-sex couples.

Located on the Japanese island Kyushu, its capital Fukuoka, is one of the country’s biggest cities.

Fukuoka Mayor Soichiro Takashima said the municipal government will introduce a partnership oath system to allow same-sex couple to register their relationship.

People in same-sex couples who are not already married and are 20 years or older will be given a receipt of their relationship after taking the oath.

Same-sex couples will be able to start registering their partnerships from 1 April this year.

‘I will consider the introduction of a support framework for sexual minorities that includes a partnership system, with the intention of creating a more inclusive society that recognizes diversity,’ said Mayor Takashima in September, 2017 as reported in The Mainichi.

The Mayor said his government would also consider introducing support programs for LGBTI people.

Fukuoka, one of many to recognize same-sex couples

Fukuoka is only the second government designated city after Sapporo to recognize same-sex couples.

Other wards to recognize same-sex relationships are the Shibuya and Setagaya wards in Tokyo. The city of Takarazuka in Hyogo prefecture started issuing certificates to same-sex couples in June last year.

In 2015, the city of Iga in Mie Prefecture became the fourth city in Japan to officially recognize same-sex relationships.